Swimmers in Sparkhill will soon be able to take dip in an Olympic swimming pool used by the likes of Rebecca Adlington during the London 2012 Olympics.

Birmingham has secured one of nine London 2012 Olympic training pools which are to be dismantled - and will rebuild it as a long-awaited replacement for the derelict Sparkhill baths.

The existing pool has been closed since 2009 when asbestos tiles fell in the water - but last year the City Council announced its replacement as part of a £32 million package of six new pools leisure centres to replace nine which are being closed.

The new facility which will include a 25-metre six-lane swimming pool, a learner pool, an 80-station fitness suite, dance studio, community room, sauna and steam facilities.

Council deputy leader Ian Ward (Lab, Shard End) said: “Our successful bid for one of the pools from the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games means that we will soon have the chance to literally immerse ourselves in the Olympic Legacy.

Sparkhill Pool and Leisure Centre was closed in 2009
Sparkhill Pool and Leisure Centre was closed in 2009

"Not only is that an exciting prospect for anyone who was fired up by 2012, but it is also coming to Birmingham at a fraction of the cost of a new pool. 

"The new Sport and Leisure Facilities Framework agreement will ensure that we can deliver good value, cost effective leisure facilities, despite the considerable budgetary restraint that we face.”